AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye snorkeling for beginer

Our family is taking a trip to belize in May. Have one person going with no experience snorkeling. We thought we would start her out at the dock by Ramons. Where is the best place to go for her first boat trip? Long boat trip probably not too good an idea because another person in the party takes meclizine for motion sickness. Any info you have would be appreciated. Thanks.

Any of the local snorkeling sites are perfect even if you are new to it...probably they won't want to go in the water at Shark Ray Alley but it is fun to watch even from the boat...we took a glass bottomed boat so that was extra fun. Hol Chan is perfect for new snorkelers.

Thanks for the info. It helps a lot.

As a first time snorkeler, I did Hol Chan, Shark Ray, Fin-fan???, and other places. I loved it, and nothing was all that far of a ride. Of course, if you're feeling sick to your stomach, that's all relative. Have a great time!

Just wondering why a beginner wouldn't want to go into the water at Shark Ray Alley? I haven't snorkeled since I was a kid but was definitely planning on going there... is there something I should know?

Gaelen

The only reason you might not want to jump in the water at Shark-Ray Alley is that you see all those sharks and sting rays swimming around.

Less obvious at Hol Chan are the currents, which can be fairly strong as they move through the reef. Kids and others who may not be strong swimmers can get a little freaked.

--Lan Sluder

Lan is correct. There can be a moderate current particularly on a windy day. However, you start out against the current most of the time (wind coming into the island) so you glide back to the boat which will be in very shallow water.

My wife whose longest snorkel experience was 10 minutes (she hyper ventilated and freaks out) lasted 40 minutes there. I was diving and as soon as the boat dive master saw she was uncomfortable he was at her side.

It's the best snorkel spot I've been to in the Caribbean. Clear, great coral, perfect brain coral visible (25 feetdown maybe).

What about Mexico Rocks? Didn't make it there last time, but will make it a point this time.

For beginners there is no better place to snorkel than Mexico Rocks & Tres Cocos. The beginner can always find a place to stand if he/she gets frightened. It is also really beautiful in both spots.

Thanks for all the information. Can someone tell me how long a boat ride it is to Mexico Rocks or Tres Cocos. She is Not a strong swimmer and we don't want her to get scared the first time out.